How long does Arctic Silver last?

[berzerker]

I have an unopened tube of AS2 or AS3 I picked up a couple years ago but never used. Since it's sealed will it still be ok to use on a new build? Or would there be some kind of chemical breakdown by now?

 

[[H]Tek]

Im sure the half-life of artic silver isn't as short as you think it is.

 

[berzerker]

Ok, thanks.

 

[RancidWAnnaRIot]

i've heard that it does decay though.. i think i read on the artic site.. their FAQ talks about that.. i think you should replace your thermal paste every few years.

 

[berzerker]

i've heard that it does decay though.. i think i read on the artic site.. their FAQ talks about that.. i think you should replace your thermal paste every few years.

Their FAQ page seems to be down right now. You're talking about after it's been applied to the chip/HSF, not while it's sealed in the tube, right?

 

[RancidWAnnaRIot]

I remember reading in the tube.. i'm not sure.. don't take what i say as teh truth.. but i do remember reading that it does decay... just check out the site when it's up..

 

[Sideroxylon]

I think what it actually does is seperate. If you make sure it is mixed up ok you should be fine.

 

[xSyzygy666x]

no idea about as2 and 3 but it says as5 has complete stability and never breaks down.....
http://www.arcticsilver.com/as5.htm ..........so i dont know

ed: it also says as2 and 3 are supposed to last a long time without breaking down...but no specific times......

 

[berzerker]

I think what it actually does is seperate. If you make sure it is mixed up ok you should be fine.

Ok, thanks for all the advice. I guess two years isn't really that old, if it's sealed.

I'll give it a shot when I get my new components. Even though it's the cheapest element in a system, I'd just hate for it to go to waste.